Tributes paid to tragic Spittal pupil Ryan McLean

Ryan McLean, pictured with his mum, Stacey Malloy, lost his lifelong battle with a brain tumour on Sunday

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Tributes have been paid to a brave Spittal pupil who has died from a brain tumour at the age of just six.

Tragic Ryan McLean passed away at Yorkhill Hospital on Sunday, October 5, after a life-long battle with the condition.

Just before 6pm Ryan found the strength to give his mum, Stacey, one last hug before slipping away.

In his short life, Ryan went through a 12-month course of chemotherapy and endured four major brain operations as well as over 50 other procedures.

His family was told in 2011 that his condition was terminal, but Ryan kept fighting and was able to start at Spittal last year.

However, his condition deteriorated last week and he died early on Saturday morning.

His mum, Stacey Malloy (27) is now being comforted by family at her Castlemilk home.

Ryan’s Aunt Michelle (20), described to the Reformer the moment he lost his battle: “We turned him over so he could give his mum a cuddle. She told him to go for a wee sleep and within seconds he went.

“It was heartbreaking.

“We are relieved in a way, he was suffering and was in so much pain. We just wanted it to stop.”

Michelle paid an emotional tribute to a little nephew who loved Peppa Pig, football and playing on his computer with his little brother.And she said the moment he started at Spittal was the proudest of the families life: “You could not imagine, we were all over the moon.

“We couldn’t believe it, we never thought he could get there but he proved everyone wrong. It was fantastic and he put everyone to shame.

“Ryan was a cheeky chappie, he was always smiling, even when he wasn’t well.”

Michelle said her sister, who has two other children, was “trying to keep going,” following Ryan’s death, but said the support of friends and family had been a great comfort.

Parents at Spittal had held fundraising events to go towards the cost of the funeral, and Michelle said: “People have done so much for him, we really can’t thank them enough and it has been a great help.”

Spittal’s acting headteacher, Graeme Murray, said Ryan had been a popular pupil.

He said: “Staff and pupils were saddened to hear the news about Ryan.

“As a school we want Ryan’s family to know that our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“In Ryan’s short time with us at the school he made a lasting impression with his bubbly personality and sense of humour.”

Ryan’s bravery was praised by fundraiser Les Hoey MBE, who had met him through his work with the Yorkhill Children’s Charity.

Les said Ryan loved superhero’s, and was the most courageous boy he’d ever met.

He added: “I got to know Ryan over the past three or four years and a nicer boy you could not meet.

“He was always happy and smiling, even though he fought a horrendous battle and defied doctors for a long time.

“Ryan was just such a character and my heart goes out to his mother Stacey who has been through so much.”

Parents at Spittal who had helped with fundraising were also left devastated at the news. Only last Friday a dress down day and school disco raised £653.

The event was organised by Jane Hayes, who said: “We just got word yesterday. It’s so sad. He’d been in hospital for a wee while but it’s still such a shock.”

Another mum, Helen Patterson, visited Ryan’s family on Monday night to hand over the money they had raised.

She said: “He was just a wee boy who touched a lot of people’s hearts, people wanted to help.

“He fought this all his life, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“The family are still in total shock, they are just trying to come to terms with it.”

Tributes also poured into a Facebook page dedicated to Ryan called Baby Ryan McLean’s Journey.

And on her personal page, Stacey changed her profile picture to one of her getting a loving kiss from her little boy.

Another read: “Thoughts and prayers are with all of you Stacey...the bravest wee boy had the bravest Mummy and he will get you through. The wee Champ was such an inspiration and his memory will live on forever. Love and ((hugs)) being sent to you and the family.”

A lantern tribute was due to take place at Castlemilk Health Centre last night, after the Reformer went to press. Ryan’s funeral will take place at 11am in Castlemilk Parish Church on Friday (October 10).